Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 1509: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to implement a post code system here; if a decision has been taken on the form these post codes will take; his views on whether a neutral format containing no reference to placenames would be advisable in order to reduce the risk of opposition and lobbying on various issues; his further plans to include a reference to placenames; if provision will be made for Irish speakers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29275/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The National Postcode Project Board made a recommendation last year to Government to introduce an alpha-numeric postal sector postcode model. This model was deemed the most suitable as it does not require individuals to change their address structure, with elements such as county names being accommodated within the postcode itself. In the case of Gaeltacht areas, there is nothing in the recommendation that would prevent this postcode being based on the official version of the place name in Irish.

Government decided last year that prior to the introduction of postcodes, further analysis to quantify the wider economic implications should be carried out. A report was recently furnished to my Department in this regard, which I am currently examining. A full assessment of the report will help me decide on how best to take the proposal forward. In this regard I fully accept that a postcode system can convey economic and social benefits, assist future competition in the postal sector and assist delivery of certain public services.